May 9, 2024 Notes

The Mile High Magicians Society hosted a teach in meeting for members to share or learn new tricks to incorporate into their routines. Jeff and Karen Wake brought delicious homemade muffins as a snack.

Jude Griffin taught two simple coin routines that are excellent for walk-around and close-up. The first trick was the penny and dime trick. The spectator places both a penny and dime in their hand. One coin is removed from their hand and the magicians magically causes them to switch places. In the famous twenty-six cent trick, a penny and quarter are placed into a magician’s hand. The penny is removed but jumps back to their hand. Eventually, both coins vanish. These coin tricks do not require special props or advanced handling and can be taken anywhere.

Gene Gordon brought along his own card routine that borrows from Ed Marlo and Dai Vernon with a sprinkle of Martin Gardner. His incorporation of various card maneuvers and reveals allows him to interact with the audience while finding their card, summoning the four aces, and even drawing a royal flush to stun the audience at its conclusion. This is a modified routine that he previously taught and provided members with lecture notes to study from. The dean’s card routine is an example of pulling concepts from multiple sources and using clever pater to create a memorable experience.

Matt Brandt demonstrated an impromptu magic trick with a Sharpie. Before handing it to a spectator for signing a card, he would show that he can remove and replace the logo at will. The trick is a variation on the paddle trick. When he was finished, he demonstrated objects appearing from a bandana including a toy dinosaur. Both tricks can be done with common items, yet they are powerful and can enhance any routine.

Dennis Michael showcased his one cup and ball routine that he uses for walk-around at various restaurants. Each aspect of the routine was customized for the venue, for example the cups were chosen to match the restaurant’s aesthetic. Cooper cups are used for the Melting Pot. His use of various loads and reveals add a personal touch. His humor allows him to connect with the spectators and give them a unique performance while they wait for their food.

We had a night full of amazing performances, awards, farewells, and bottomless Italian food. Our outgoing president, Jeff Jenson, emceed the evening by introducing each performer and performing sleight of hand himself.

James Lopez dazzled us with his coins across routine. He invited two spectators from the audience to join him on stage and made four coins travel invisibly between their hands.

Next up was John Walker, who performed a Jim Murphy themed card trick based on luck and Murphy’s law. John found Jim’s card after going through a few lucky choices.

Lew Wymisner predicted the order of poker chips picked by spectators. He allowed each spectator to select from various poker chips. He asked three spectators to each pick one chip and hold it up. He then correctly revealed his prediction.

Gene Gorden performed the linking rings as a tribute to Dave Elston, who we recently lost. After Gene’s performance, we had a special presentation. Dan Rodriguez, the past national president of the Society of American Magicians and our incoming club president, presented Gene with an achievement award for his thirty-five years of membership and service to the club.

Steve Davis amazed the audience by predicting a phone number important to an audience member. Through help from the audience, he was able to correctly predict the phone number.

Artie Fron performed the classic cups and balls with his own comedic flare. He brought up a child spectator to provide stage cues for the audience to react.

Marty Jewell thanked the club for their support and friendship through silk magic, as she will be moving to Oregon in the new year. She said that she will miss the club and the magic in Denver. Members of the club said their goodbyes.

Jason Fye put his own spin on thumb cuffs. Instead of using tiny cuffs, Jason used a regular playing card instead, which he was able to escape from and perform the trick.

The last performer of the night was Scott McCray, who performed the invisible coin. He brought up a spectator on stage with his invisible coin pouch. He then proceeded to do magic with his pouch and invisible coins.

We want to thank all the performers and the audience for making it a memorable night. We also want to thank Cinzzettis for hosting us and providing us with delicious food and drinks.